Liverpool’s heavy defeat to Manchester City has intensified scrutiny on Arne Slot, with growing concerns that belief within the squad and fanbase is beginning to fade.
The Reds suffered a crushing 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, a result that marked their 15th defeat of the season and raised fresh questions about the team’s direction under Slot.
More concerning than the scoreline itself, however, was the manner of the performance. Liverpool appeared short of ideas throughout the match, struggling to respond once City took control.
Growing sense Liverpool struggle to recover once they fall behind
Following the defeat, journalist Dominic King highlighted what he sees as a worrying trend in Liverpool’s performances.
Writing on social media, King suggested that belief within the team has noticeably declined, particularly when they concede first.
King reports: “The situation in a nutshell: when Liverpool go a goal down now, nobody believes they will turn the game around. As soon as Man City went ahead, it was all over. Already, the idea of a positive result in Paris has been discounted by everyone. It reeks of impending change.”
The situation in a nutshell: when Liverpool go a goal down now, nobody believes they will turn the game around. As soon as Man City went ahead, it was all over. Already, the idea of a positive result in Paris has been discounted by everyone. It reeks of impending change.
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) April 4, 2026
That sense of inevitability has become increasingly visible on the pitch. Once City scored the opening goal, Liverpool struggled to mount any meaningful response, with players appearing uncertain and lacking the spark that once defined the side.
The team’s attacking play looked predictable, while defensive lapses allowed City to extend their advantage without facing sustained pressure.
Fan patience being tested as major challenges lie ahead
Liverpool supporters are known for their loyalty and patience, but recent results suggest that goodwill is beginning to wear thin.
The defeat against Manchester City has added to a growing list of disappointing outcomes this season, with Liverpool now entering a critical stage of the season under significant pressure.
Compounding the uncertainty is the impending departure of Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave the club in the summer after years as Liverpool’s attacking talisman.
? Arne Slot: “I liked our first 35 minutes but afterwards we have to defend so so much better than we did today”.
“It’s been very disappointing, not only to be out but also the manner. Another big disappointment from us”. pic.twitter.com/534BLo3Yvg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2026
Replacing a figure of Salah’s influence will be a major task, particularly at a time when confidence within the squad appears fragile.
Attention now turns to the upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, a fixture that presents one of Liverpool’s toughest tests of the season.
PSG enter the tie in strong condition after their domestic fixture against Lens was postponed by Ligue 1, giving them additional time to prepare. In contrast, Liverpool arrive following a bruising defeat and mounting questions about their form.
? The LFP has approved requests by Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg to move domestic fixtures in order to prepare for their European quarter-finals.
The potentially title-defining game between Lens and PSG will now take place on May 13 giving the French champions a clear run…
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 26, 2026
With belief wavering and pressure intensifying around Slot, the coming weeks could prove decisive not only for Liverpool’s season, but also for the long-term future of their manager.